New to this

[NewGuy2012]

Hello,

I'm new here and to boating. i've been out on the ocean in new england (isle of shoals area near Portsmouth, Nh) a few times with a friend. I had a good time and would like to purchase a boat.

I'll do my best to say what I'm looking for and what I plan to do...


just want to cruise around casually, always in salt water, I'm looking for 20-28 feet and trying to get an older model to keep the price under $8,000... maybe even lower! It doesn't matter if it is trailerable or not.



I need even the most general direction.... what boat types should I look for? how old can I go?



lastly, how much is a marine surveyor go for?

This is the first boat I'm going to look at... I wont be making any quick decisions but what do you guys see as possible issues?

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2822250885.html

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New to this

I would look at 1987 and newer boats. There will probably be some structural issues and mechanical to fix. Your challenge will be to find a boat that needs the least work.

You might want to grab a boat from Winni that has been in fresh water as the engine(s) will be in better shape. 28 feet might be too big for a first boat, but 24 might be ideal. If you are more into a cruiser versus a cuddy cabin, then you will probably need to go to 26-28 feet.

Try some of these web sites and search in your area to get an idea. Asking prices are usually high versus what the boat will sell for. You may tend to find 1 or 2 sellers that have brought their prices down to reality.

boattraderonline.com

boats.com

yachtworld.com

ablboats.com

Make sure that there is proper title for the boat and the trailer. A surveyor will cost around $500. Make sure to go for a sea trial . . . probably best to schedule sea trial so that the surveyor can come along.

 

[Philster]

Re: New to this

Marine surveyor is about $20 a foot plus other costs, such as compression check(s) on engine(s). So, a 20' boat will cost $400 dollars or slightly more. Figure 400-500 for one done right. Compression checks can cost more on different boats depending on number of engines and the type/size of engines. Anything with cabin(s), galley and head(s) can cost more, because there are more thing to check.

Also: a 28' boat and 20' are like comparing a family camper to a Camry.

 

[southkogs]

Re: New to this

If I might make a suggestion on a first boat: in your situation, I would look for a walk around with an outboard motor. Between 20' to 24' in size would be a good for a start, that 28' would be a monster to get used to.

I personally find outboards easier to handle/learn on for people new to boating. An I/O can be fine; definitely don't make it a deal breaker. The walk around boat will give you a little bit of a cuddy, but also a good amount of deck space for people.

As opposed to a survey on a cheaper boat, you might find a good marine mechanic who you can pay to go on a sea trial with you.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: New to this

If I might make a suggestion on a first boat: in your situation, I would look for a walk around with an outboard motor. Between 20' to 24' in size would be a good for a start, that 28' would be a monster to get used to.
I personally find outboards easier to handle/learn on for people new to boating. An I/O can be fine; definitely don't make it a deal breaker. The walk around boat will give you a little bit of a cuddy, but also a good amount of deck space for people.

As opposed to a survey on a cheaper boat, you might find a good marine mechanic who you can pay to go on a sea trial with you.

I agree...there's a HUGH difference between a 20 footer and a 28 footer

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

I would look at 1987 and newer boats. There will probably be some structural issues and mechanical to fix. Your challenge will be to find a boat that needs the least work.

You might want to grab a boat from Winni that has been in fresh water as the engine(s) will be in better shape. 28 feet might be too big for a first boat, but 24 might be ideal. If you are more into a cruiser versus a cuddy cabin, then you will probably need to go to 26-28 feet.
.

First, thanks for all the replies, suggestions, and information guys.


I believe my friend's boat was about 25 and we handled it okay, but you guys are right: maybe 28 feet will be too much.


as for Winni,

I've been confused about where you can use a boat. I've read that you dont ahve to worry about taking a predominately freshwater boat offshore, but it will need to be flushed etc. after.... this boat would be almost entirely used in salt water... how will this affect what I'm looking for? What types of fresh water boats should I look for? what are the chances of finding a boat used strictly on freshwater that could handle the portsmouth,nh harbor and very near coast?


Also, will it be hard finding a boat who's history is predominately fresh water but has a bow big enough for what I'm looking to do? What bow height or bow type should I avoid if I'm looking to be safe at sea (if you can call barely leaving the harbor sea)


again, thanks for your time guys. i hope my query is in the right section and not too repetitive...

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

If I might make a suggestion on a first boat: in your situation, I would look for a walk around with an outboard motor. Between 20' to 24' in size would be a good for a start, that 28' would be a monster to get used to.

I have looked at some 20 footers since speaking with you guys and I think I'd prefer something a litter larger. Do you think the 24-25' would be reasonable?


also, someone suggested looking for newer than '87... however I see lots of people with 70s boats on here... but are they mainly freshwater boaters? are there many 70s boats still on the ocean and not costing an arm and a leg to keep afloat?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New to this

First, thanks for all the replies, suggestions, and information guys.


I believe my friend's boat was about 25 and we handled it okay, but you guys are right: maybe 28 feet will be too much.


as for Winni,

I've been confused about where you can use a boat. I've read that you dont ahve to worry about taking a predominately freshwater boat offshore, but it will need to be flushed etc. after.... this boat would be almost entirely used in salt water... how will this affect what I'm looking for? What types of fresh water boats should I look for? what are the chances of finding a boat used strictly on freshwater that could handle the portsmouth,nh harbor and very near coast?


Also, will it be hard finding a boat who's history is predominately fresh water but has a bow big enough for what I'm looking to do? What bow height or bow type should I avoid if I'm looking to be safe at sea (if you can call barely leaving the harbor sea)


again, thanks for your time guys. i hope my query is in the right section and not too repetitive...

As for fresh water versus salt water . . . there is no such thing as a 'fresh water' boat or a 'salt water' boat . . . boats are boats. . . and engines are engines. The differences will be in the extra maintenance that a boat used in salt water typically needs. Us salt water guys like to buy boats that have been used in fresh water, 'cuz we know that the maintenance and potential issues are less in fesh water. So, you are apt to find less corrosion on the engine, etc.

A boat that is used in salt water is also fine as long as it has been maintained.

So, since you have Wnni nearby, you could look up there and maybe find a boat with less corrosion issues, etc. Then plunk it in the ocean. You will have to maintain it with corrosion protection (anodes) and general maintenance.

As far as the type of boat . . . cuddy cabin boats and cruisers will be fine as will center consoles. The thing you need to look out for are the bowriders. Many of them are fine for a lake, but not so good for the ocean. Bowriders that are OK for the ocean are typically referred to as "dual console" boats.

I hope that helps.

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

Thank you so much. I can see clearly now....


So considering all of your suggestions ive found the following.....


http://nh.craigslist.org/bod/2889244588.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2822255335.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2839164926.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2901710829.html



Are my picks getting more reasonable? Which do you guys like (if u had to)

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

I'm finding my options have expanded now that I know what I need.. thanks again y'all


This guy looks all right too... why are all these boats so cheap! ? How worried should I be?


http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2906883030.html

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: New to this

I would suggest option 4, the aluminum Starcraft Islander. The maintenance issues should be less, and the hull will last just this side of forever. Plus, down the road should anything need to be done (such as soft floors or transom) it will only be a fraction of the work and time to do!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to this

Try to overcome the bias 1973. That Starcraft has the dreaded Merc 470 in it. I'd pass on that one.

Any of the other 3 in your first post look to be worth checking out. The additional SeaRay in your next post is most like rotted trash. Rot is you biggest concern. ANY soft spots in the deck is usually indicative of more serious issues below in the stringers. Check very carefully. Those 3 on the surface do appear to be in very nice condition for their years (although we can't see the interior of the Celebrity).

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: New to this

Try to overcome the bias 1973. That Starcraft has the dreaded Merc 470 in it. I'd pass on that one.

Any of the other 3 in your first post look to be worth checking out. The additional SeaRay in your next post is most like rotted trash. Rot is you biggest concern. ANY soft spots in the deck is usually indicative of more serious issues below in the stringers. Check very carefully. Those 3 on the surface do appear to be in very nice condition for their years (although we can't see the interior of the Celebrity).

Not so much bias EZ as I don't own a big tinny any longer but as that Islander is an excellent value for the money. It appears to be in excellent shape with a running engine for $4k. So even should it need to be repowered down the line it would still be a good deal, at least here in MI it would be. It can be used as is to see how he likes boating, then repower in a year or two if desired. Just by two cents though..

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

Not so much bias EZ as I don't own a big tinny any longer but as that Islander is an excellent value for the money. It appears to be in excellent shape with a running engine for $4k. So even should it need to be repowered down the line it would still be a good deal, at least here in MI it would be. It can be used as is to see how he likes boating, then repower in a year or two if desired. Just by two cents though..

thanks guys.... if I did get that boat and had to replace the power... how much would it be and which option would you suggest?

I assume... offered at 4,000 maybe I could get him lower if I went literal cash in hand...making it even more economical to reboot the power


you guys think of the 4 or 5 that I posted... all will be all right on the "sea" (close to coast cruising)?


Thanks again guys.... I've learned more in the last 24 hours by opening this thread than I have in a week of searching for answers on my own

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: New to this

thanks guys.... if I did get that boat and had to replace the power... how much would it be and which option would you suggest?

I assume... offered at 4,000 maybe I could get him lower if I went literal cash in hand...making it even more economical to reboot the power


you guys think of the 4 or 5 that I posted... all will be all right on the "sea" (close to coast cruising)?


Thanks again guys.... I've learned more in the last 24 hours by opening this thread than I have in a week of searching for answers on my own

Keep in mind we all have our opinions, which may or may not suit you. You might not like the idea of having to repower or that might not matter. Im no expert either, just tgjinking of what I would do in your situation.

I can't give an opinion as to which new motor but I have seen complete, ready to install used engines on cl in MI for $700-1200 depending on size. Should the outdrive need to be replaced, I've seen those used for $300-$400. Not sure on installation costs or if you would do it yourself. Several other Starcraft owners have repowered and have step by step threads (jasoutside comes to mind first). Anyways, that should give you a ball park range. New or rebuilt engines are more.

 

[southkogs]

Re: New to this

I have looked at some 20 footers since speaking with you guys and I think I'd prefer something a litter larger. Do you think the 24-25' would be reasonable?

Going up in size will make things more difficult for you, but it's not anything that you can't overcome. Biggest suggestion I can give you if you're going to go ahead with a bigger boat on the ocean is that you get some instruction. Take a class or get/hire someone to go out with you a couple times first. It's really a good idea to take a course before you run ANY boat, but especially when you start out on a bigger boat.

Good luck looking at 'em. The gang is giving you good advice.

 

[NewGuy2012]

Re: New to this

@southkog

Ya, here in new hampshire they make you take a class and test to get your license. i think it involves safety and regulation.




After looking at all your suggestions I found a few more deals. I'd really like to wait to get my license (next available test is March 30th) and take my time looking for a boat but I dont want to miss a deal...



this one is a little big but it looks.... beautiful....


http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2916986629.html